Natural beauty and imposing landmarks, picturesque highlands and cultural and historical highlights – these are what make up the Teutoburg Forest / Egge Hills Nature Park, the largest in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The TOP 100 sights and attractions in Germany

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Among the reserve's top attractions are the monument to Hermann the Cheruscan and the legendary Externsteine fissured rocks. Old castles, abbeys and historical half-timbered towns help complete the picture, with Corvey Abbey and Dalheim Abbey in particular providing fine examples of sacred art and architecture.

The reserve's forests contain various types of beech and spruce trees, while moors, dry grasslands and heathland are also to be found, together with the plants that typically grow on them. Preserved expanses of land provide refuge for rare species and other animals that are sensitive to being disturbed, such as the black stork, eagle owl, peregrine falcon and wildcat. The reserve is also home to various species of game, and at the Hardehausen breeding centre, bison are being protected from extinction.

The quality-certified Hermannshöhe trail in the Teutoburg Forest and Egge hills runs though the reserve for its entire length, and many of the paths offer superb views of the picturesque landscape as you look down from the peaks. On one of the Climate Experience Hikes, you can see how the climatic conditions of the past are reflected in the landscapes of today. The routes are also downloadable for GPS navigation.

The park is also rich in health, fitness and wellbeing facilities. Spa resorts such as Bad Salzuflen and many other health resorts can be found in the region (sometimes referred to as 'Germany's wellness zone') where you can rejuvenate body and soul in unspoilt surroundings.